Liz's blog was one of the first blogs I started following closely when I jumped into the blogosphere. She has a wonderful combination of content including DIY's, recipes, and shopping. Not only is her blog wonderful, she has a knack for pointing out other blogs worth reading (I can't tell you how many of my favs were found through one of her posts).

I have been working with Susan of Freshly Picked on her wardrobe and styling. Earlier this week she was invited to be a part of a news segment on Channel 2 news for DownEast Basics. She and I went shopping and picked an outfit out for the segment.

As soon as I saw that price tag I started plotting ways to make one of my own. Then I remembered this ridiculously awesome fabric that has been in my mother's fabric stash since about 1991.

It's a single side floral printed fleece. My mom said she bought it to make my little first grade self a sweat suit. So awesome.

So, I cut the flowers and leaves out to use in my design. I also cut leave shapes out of the solid blue portion of the fabric.

I laid the pieces out to decide what order I wanted them in. Then I pinned the shapes onto the shirt so I could begin sewing.

I used this button & carpet thread I had hanging around to hand sew the pieces onto the neckline. (I have no idea where this came from or why one would use thread on carpet. But it was in my Grandma's thread collection that I was lucky enough to inherit, along with my adjustable dressform. I owe almost all of my sewing equipment and fabric stash to the women who came before me. end tangent.)

I used a crew cut tee from wet seal that I got on clearance. I cut out the neckline in a scoop, and then sewed (2) 1/4" pleats down the front and back. If you also want the pleats (I am not entirely convinced they are necessary) sew them BEFORE cutting your neckline out, and if you are putting pleats in buy a bigger shirt than you need.

It seems that mixing prints is the thing this season. Many of the fashion bloggers I follow are experimenting with stripes & florals, or dots & stripes. (I however, have yet to leave the house in a mixed print ensemble. I put it on, and stare at the mirror for 5 minutes and replace my floral skirt with jeans before I leave.)

The latest batch of Anthropologie outfits revolves around the mixed print concept. This is the one that stuck out to me:

I am absolutely giddy right now. I even made my husband look at this look for less and tell me how good it is, because it's that good. Ladies, I found the much sought after J.Crew Pleated Lombard Ruffle Cardigan:

I ogled this tee at the LOFT the entire time it was in stock. After it sold out, I decided I would try my hand at making something similar.

I took a simple grey tee I had laying around, and added a a ribbon embellishment in the vine pattern. I pinned the crap out of it, and sewed a straight stitch down the center of the ribbon. It took a few hours, but was more tedious than difficult.

It's no great secret that I totally dig pretty much everything about Zooey Deschanel's style. From her blunt cut bangs to her wardrobe overflowing with vintage finds. If you have been reading this blog for some time, you might remember my, uh, obsession with her wardrobe in 500 Days of Summer.

Do you remember the commercials she did for Cotton? Some time has passed but I can't get it off my mind.

I especially loved this combo, as it combines two of my favorite things: cardigans & embellished shoes.

After posting about statement necklaces earlier this week, many of you commented that even though you admire the look, you don't know how to wear it. I decided I would give some advice on how to best pull off the style.

1. Avoid mixing prints with statement necklaces. Solid tops and dresses in simple silhouettes and neutral shades will ensure that your necklace remains the center of attention.2. Keep your neckline simple. Complicated necklines will interfere with your jewelry. Scoop, V-neck, and crew-neck styles work best to show off your neck area.3. Limit other accessories. For example, avoid wearing chunky bangles, long dangling earrings, and trendy hair accessories in order to keep the focus on the necklace.4. Keep in mind the proportions of the necklace and your body. If you're petite, then a necklace that drapes to your waist can make you look shorter. If you're long-waisted, then opt for a longer style.5. Keep your hair simple and tamed. This will allow your necklace to take center stage.6. Remember, it's a statement necklace, so let it do the talking.

Here is an outfit I put together around one of the necklaces from earlier this week.

I think (fingers crossed) spring might have actually arrived in Utah. I say this with trepidation because it snowed on Tuesday - and I wore open toe shoes then anyway. I am effectively giving my winter clothes the boot. If I dress like it's spring, spring it shall become. Right?

With spring comes sandals. I have noticed the flat sandals with an enclosed heel at Anthropologie and Urban this season, and have looking for a more reasonable alternative. I was really happy when I stumbled on these:

eShakti is an online store that offers customizable (that's what I said, completely customizable) clothing in an array of sizes and styles. I am sure some of you may have heard about this retailer as they have been making their way through the blogosphere. Recently, their marketing department contacted me and asked if I'd like to do a review of a piece of clothing. I was totally stoked to pick something out, and was pleased I had the option customizing it if necessary. I decided on this skirt:

When I ordered the skirt, I noticed that the skirt was meant to hit above the knee. I customized the order indicating I wanted the skirt to hit at the knee (and that I was 5'-4" - because even though I am 5'-2", I am way more leg than torso). The customizations turned out perfect!

I am so in love the architectural pleating and pockets. Not to mention the fantastic tulip shape. It's made of black stretch cotton with subtle lurex pinstripes and has a polytaffeta lining. The best part? It's machine washable.

I am pretty sure I will be wearing it almost constantly.

Why I think it's worth shopping eShatki: All styles are available in all sizes {0 - 26W} at all times. All orders {including custom orders} ship within three days, and even custom orders are returnable. New visitors to their site can receive a $15 gift card, just for registering. It's a very customer-friendly store.

Have any of you had any experience with eShakti? Would you be willing to pay a little more for a custom piece of clothing? Leave a comment!